NSU 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog

341 Nova Southeastern University • Undergraduate Student Catalog • 2014–2015 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS component and students will spend several hours per week in the ultrasound training laboratory acquiring skills in basic imaging, patient positioning, and ergonomics to form a solid foundation for later, more-advanced courses. Lectures will include, but not be limited to, a review of the normal anatomy and physiological function of the heart, commonly encountered pathology, pathophysiology, basic treatment options, and beginning analysis of data obtained by ultrasound, as well as introduction to other cardio- focused techniques. CVS 3015 Introduction to Problem Based Learning (3 credits) In the problem-based learning (PBL) course students will be guided to identify what they already know, analyze what they need to know, and identify the resources available to them. They will work in small teams where the leadership roles are rotated among the members. The teams will be small enough that all team members will have to remain engaged in order for the team to progress. Problem-based learning is an approach that challenges students to learn through engagement in a real problem. It is a format that simultaneously develops both problem solving strategies and disciplinary knowledge bases and skills by placing students in the active role of problem- solvers confronted with an ill-structured situation that simulates the kind of problems they are likely to face in complex and rapidly changing world. Problem-based learning is student-centered. PBL makes a fundamental shift from a focus on teaching to a focus on learning. The process is aimed at using the power of authentic problem solving to engage students and enhance their learning and motivation. Early in the course the problems revolve around the concepts of PBL. As the course progresses, the problems will shift to ones that cardiovascular students are likely to face as future professionals. Expertise is developed by engaging in progressive problem solving. Thus, problems drive the organization and dynamics of the course. Cardiovascular students, individually and collectively, assume major responsibility for their own learning and instruction. Most of the learning occurs in small groups rather than in lectures. Periodically there will be instructor-lead meetings which are required of all students. Various groups may invite lecturers to present mini lectures which may be of value to all students and will require attendance. The majority of the class meetings will be student scheduled meetings of the small groups. The instructor’s role is not “Keeper and dispenser of all knowledge.” The instructor is a facilitator of student learning, sometimes suggesting resources. Each of the students must become more active and engaged as they take on a role of problem-solver, leader, organizer, and researcher rather than being a passive listener who hopes to distill which items will be on the test. CVS 3020 Adult Echocardiography II (3 credits) This is an intermediate course on the use of ultrasound for the evaluation of the adult heart and heart function. It will have a strong hands-on component and students will spend several hours per week in the ultrasound training laboratory acquiring advanced imaging skills to begin mastery of the adult echocardiography examination. Lectures will continue with advanced subjects including, but not limited to, acquired and congenital pathologies, pathophysiology, and treatment options. In-depth analysis of echocardiographic findings and presentation of same in preliminary reporting will also be covered in detail. CVS 3030 Echocardiography III (4 credits) This is an advanced course on the use of specialized ultrasound techniques for the evaluation of the adult heart, with additional content for pediatric echocardiography and other advanced imaging techniques and considerations. It will have a strong hands-on component and students will spend several hours per week in the ultrasound training laboratory acquiring advanced imaging skills. Lectures will cover special considerations for advanced imaging, specific pathologies and anatomical considerations for pediatric imaging, pediatric congenital pathologies, pathophysiology, treatment options, and analysis of data obtained by ultrasound, as well as other cardio-focused techniques. Additional topics will cover procedures and other considerations surrounding the performance of the echocardiography exam that will be encountered in a clinical setting, preparing the student for clinical externships in year two of the program. CVS 3040 Ultrasound Physics (4 credits) This course is designed to help the student acquire knowledge of all the fundamental principles and concepts necessary to understand the properties of sound and ultrasound as used in diagnostic imaging. These principles and concepts will span from basic properties of sound in soft tissue to advanced techniques such as Doppler, spectral analysis, M-mode, etc. as they pertain to evaluation for vascular and cardiac ultrasound imaging. The students will also learn about artifacts, safety, and the concepts of bio-effects. Key physics principles will be illustrated with hands-on exercises and activities in the classroom and lab, utilizing both the imaging equipment and more everyday materials to facilitate understanding. Challenge-based learning physics assignments will also be given to further the learning process. CVS 3050 Ultrasound Physics Review (2 credits) This course reviews the principles and concepts learned in CVS 3040 through quizzes and exams to help the student prepare for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam administered by the ARDMS. The students will take the exam after completion of the course.